Bergen County Police Officer Dies In Snowmobile Accident: Police

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Family and colleagues are mourning a Ridgefield Park Police Officer who died in a snowmobile accident in Upstate New York over the weekend, officials said.

The State Police in New York said on Monday that just after 2 p.m., they responded to the rail trails in Harrietstown to investigate an injured person.

Steven Fernandez, 39, of Saddle Brook, was airlifted to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he later died, they said.

Investigators determined that Fernandez was traveling west on the trail, lost control, and went down a steep embankment, into the trees, they said.

When state troopers arrived, Saranac Lake Fire and Rescue were already administering aid to Fernandez, police said.

Fernandez's mother posted on Facebook on Saturday that she didn't usually post private information, but that her son was being treated at a hospital in Vermont due to an accident. Later she posted an update: "My heart is broken."

On Sunday, police around the area praised Fernandez for his hard work, passion, and kindness.

He was appointed as the department's LGBTQ+ liaison in 2023.

"As the department’s first openly gay male police officer, I hope that I can help strengthen the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community," he wrote on social media.

Ridgefield's police union said Sunday, "He was a beacon of kindness, laughter, and unwavering support. Steve’s passion for his work and his ability to uplift those around him will be deeply missed. As we navigate through this difficult time, let’s honor his memory by cherishing the moments we shared and the impact he had on our lives."

The Ridgefeld Park Police Department posted a longer message on Monday, saying, "As the information traveled throughout our department, so did the raw emotions because such a loss is often too much to process."

They added, "The amount of love and support we have received from everyone is extraordinary ... Steve was a great cop and an even better person. His strong ties to our small community where he grew up are unmatched. Besides being a Police Officer, he volunteered many years with the Ridgefield Park Fire Department and Ridgefield Park Ambulance Corp. He was also our current PBA President, LGBTQ+ department liaison, a Registered Nurse, Eagle Scout, and member of the Masonic Lodge...One final thought. Tell your people you love them because you never know when your day will come. Rest easy Steve."

"I want to make a difference," Fernandez posted in 2022, as he raised funds through the Police Unity Tour for officers killed in the line of duty.

Fernandez had celebrated his birthday just ten days ago.

"Happy Birthday to my son Steve Fernandez," wrote his mom. "What an incredible person you have grown up to be."